Whether or not going analog was one of your resolutions or goals this year, there’s nothing quite like a fresh new hobby book to get you excited to make things with your hands. With fall imminent, there’s no better time than now to plan your fall TBR with these nonfiction books about arts, crafts, cooking, and more. 

Here’s a look at some new hobby books and some you’ll want to preorder or request from your library ASAP:

→ 💭 Cozy Hobbies by Kennedy (Cozy K) Rose: This is the book to pick up if you’re looking to get into a new hobby. You’ll find 45 different hobby ideas, ranging from gem painting to foraging, tabletop gaming to junk journaling.

→ 🪴 Essential Guide to Plant Propagation by ​​American Horticultural Society (Oct 6): Curious about plants? This book will teach you how to propagate and care for your newest leafy friends. 

→ 🫔 Foods of La Frontera by Pati Jinich: La Frontera is where Mexico and the United States connect, and Jinich’s book is a collection of 125 recipes that explore this rich and delicious cultural landscape.

→ 🐉 A Hoop of Threads and Longing by Hilary Leslie: Attention romantasy fans: this book features 20 embroidery projects tailored to your favorite literary genre. Stitch dragons, daggers, star-crossed lovers, and more.

→ 🎨 Learn to Watercolor Adorable Animals by Lacey Walker: Find 20 beginner-friendly adorable animals to watercolor. Bonus: it includes a watercolor pad with sketches so you don’t even need to draw if you don’t want to. 

→ 🍛 No. 1 Best Indian Cookbook in the World by Meherwan Irani and Jamie Feldmar: 100 recipes by a James Beard Award winning chef showcasing the best of Indian street, truck stop, and palace food? Scrumptious–and the photos are drool-worthy on their own. 

→ 🧪 The Unordinary Book of Ideas by Half-Asleep Chris (Nov 24): This book is packed with fun and off-beat projects that encourage boundless creativity and experimentation. Create imaginary transit maps, toys for your pets, and more. 

For family fun, I can’t not include Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Cookbook by Richard Scarry (Nov 3). You’ll find recipes designed to be made by people of any age, all inspired by the beloved classic Scarry characters. Lowly Worm’s Apple Car! Ma Dog’s Cherry Pie! Fun AND Yum. – KJ